Find Out Why You Need to Own a Denim Umbrella

Jun 10, 2015

We’re in that weird time of the year where summer thunderstorms will keep us inside some days (we’ve got your reading list covered), and the rays are brutal other days (and, of course, we have you protected in that department too). But there’s one umbrella that can help solve all your extreme weather problems. Introducing the Blue Jean Umbrella from SF Umbrellas.

This umbrella, made from a high-tech Sunbrella fabric (yep, like the kind on your parents’ patio), protects you from both harmful rays and pesky droplets. There’s the obvious benefit of keeping you dry, but the umbrella also works for keeping harmful UV rays off your skin, with a UPF of 50+ (UPF being the SPF for clothing). The ‘brella, which has met its Kickstarter goal and starts shipping this August, is full of all kinds of useful, technologically advanced features like metal that never gets overheated, reinforcement stitching and a more compact size for our modern lives.

There’s also a fancy denim strap so you can sling it over your shoulder in case you’ve chosen a small bag that day.

… and if you use that denim strap, you can feel like an urban Katniss Everdeen, ready for rain or shine.

Will you grab one of these umbrellas when they’re available? Tell us in the comments!

This New Gadget Ensures You Never, Ever Run Out of Coffee Pods

Listen up, coffee lovers! If running out of K-cups is enough to derail your morning routine, allow us to introduce you to a solution that’ll ensure you’re stocked with with the stuff 24/7. It’s called the WePlenish Java Smart Container, it’s launching today on Kickstarter, and we’re pretty sure it’s the coolest thing to happen to coffee since the Keurig.

WePlenish may look like any other coffee pod container, but it’s actually a smart vessel that orders K-cups/Nespresso pods and has them mailed to your door before you ever run out. Essentially, it’s like asking your roomie to grab some coffee at the store — without the whole asking part.

Instead, the system relies on sensors, an app, and Amazon: The container senses when supplies are running low, the sensors communicate with the app, and the app re-orders your fave coffee capsules from Amazon Dash Replenishment (a service similar to Amazon Prime). What’s more, the app saves your coffee preferences and uses the info to recommend personalized picks.

The gadget comes in either black or white and can be stored literally anywhere, thanks to it being battery-operated. We love how it looks sitting next to a coffee maker, but it’s ideal for tucking away neatly in the pantry, too.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/embed/O8h29IYzs_w?feature=oembed&wmode=transparent expand=1]

You can snag the WePlenish Java Smart Container starting today for $40 at weplenish.com — or get the early-bird pricing at Kickstarter. Cheers to a lifetime of unbridled coffee consumption!

What do you think of the new WePlenish system? Let us know @BritandCo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

(Images via WePlenish)

Rihanna Just Addressed Early Rumors About Her & A$AP Rocky's Relationship

We hear a lot about celebrity breakups, but thankfully this doesn't apply to Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. Their relationship hass blossomed before our eyes like a modern day fairy tale, and we're here for our pop culture king and queen. It seems like just yesterday the loving couple welcomed their second baby while dodging marriage rumors.

Rumors have circulated about whether the pair are married or not, but they've been pretty quiet about it. What Rihanna has done is open up about how her relationship with A$AP Rocky began in a new candid interview. Below, she covers everything from that infamous VMA's performance to what's in store for their growing family

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's Relationship Timeline

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images

2012

While going down memory lane with Interview's Editori-in-Chief Mel Ottenberg, Rihanna opened up about her and A$AP Rocky's relationship timeline. She revealed the two didn't know each other prior to her 2012 VMA's performance of her single "Cockiness." No one can forget that A$AP Rocky was a part of her set and that he managed to spice things up by grabbing a handful of her bottom onstage.

2013

Although people assumed the two were dating when she appeared in the video for A$AP Rocky's song "Fashion Killa," Rihanna admits they weren't. It's easy to see how people would've assumed that because they've always had chemistry. She told Ottenberg that their friendship throughout the years was due to having similar perspectives. "We saw fashion the same. We saw creative the same. We ended up in the same circles a lot. And past that, when we grew up, we ended up supporting each other’s brands and products and creative all the time. I would wear his shit, he would show up to my launches."

Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

2019

Although it would be juicy if Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's relationship stemmed from a steamy text, she alluded in her conversation with Interview that their love was more organic. She said, "We’ve known each other for a long time. I’ve seen him in relationships. He’s seen me in relationships. We’ve seen each other outside of relationships. We knew what we’re capable of, and the trouble that we could bring to each other’s lives. We can make or break each other’s hearts. And so, we started dating with a lot of caution."

She also said COVID had a huge impact of the solidifying their romantic relationship and that she doesn't regret how things unfolded for them.

2021

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky debuted their love — and style — on the red carpet of the 2021 Met Gala. By then, it was undeniable how they felt about each other.

Image via Rich Fury/Getty Images for Fenty Beauty & Fenty Skin

2022 — 2023

The couple welcomed their sons — Rza and Riot — between 2022 and 2023, something they love gushing about. They're not shy about expressing their adoration for their growing family and have even admitted they're open to having more children if that's in the cards for them. Rihanna specifically told Interview, "I don’t know what god wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl. But of course if it’s another boy, it’s another boy."

Did A$AP Rocky call Rihanna his wife?

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Yes! During his performance at the 2023 Cannes Lions Festival, Rihanna was seen grooving to her love's music. Once he reached the second half of his performance, he gave her a huge, shocking shoutout. “I’d like to dedicate this song to my beautiful wife in the motherf–king building!”

Um, are you kidding us right now? His "beautiful wife?" We could hardly contain our excitement when we learned the news, and it seems Rihanna couldn't either because she was seen with a huge grin on her face. Ah, to be in love!

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

We can't help but wonder if their latest Met Gala look was a nod to their nuptials. I mean, a white dress and a tux? At fashion's biggest event? Seems suspicious, if you ask us!

Still, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky haven't issued a statement to the media about their marriage or a wedding ceremony. While we respect their privacy, we would be open to fawning over the beautiful bride and groom if they ever decide to release pictures.

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

As if that wasn't enough, A$AP Rocky released a song last year called "Riot (Rowdy Pipe'n)" that gives a little more relationship insight. In one lyric, he raps, "My wife is erotic, I’m smokin’ exotic."

We think they've been telling the world - "What's understood doesn't have to be explained."

Touché Rihanna and A$AP Rocky.

How do you feel about Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's uncertain future? Share your thoughts with us and follow us on Facebook for more updates!

This post has been updated with new information.

Lead image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

rihanna a$ap rocky asap rocky celebrity couples celebrity news relationships entertainment Entertainment

There’s Now a Self-Cleaning Towel for the Lazy Girl in All of Us

Raise your hand if you love doing laundry. Anyone? If you’re like most of us, then anything that cuts down on your loads of wash is huge. That’s where our new favorite towels come in. Brooklyn-based Silvon is crowdfunding a new collection of towels that help eliminate bacteria so they stay fresh — and stink-free — for way longer.

The organic cotton towels (up on Kickstarter now) use silver to work their magic. Thanks to the precious metal’s antibacterial properties, bacteria cells are destroyed, keeping them off your body — and keeping that unmistakable musty smell away from your soft, clean towels.

Silvon’s towels aren’t totally magic. The company recommends washing them once every one to two weeks. That may or may not be more often than you wash them now, but Silvon says their product is proven to stay cleaner and better-smelling in the meantime.

You can choose from hand towels, face towels, bath towels, bath sheets, or a bath mat. Prices range from $29 for two face towels to $229 for a Super Set (two each of the bath towels, bath sheets, and hand and face towels, plus one bath mat). Silvon also has a line of silver-infused bed sheets ($130+) it successfully Kickstarted in June of 2016, if you want to lighten your laundry load even more.

While you can order the towels now, you won’t be able to get your hands (or other body parts) on them until February. Since people are clearly fascinated with the promise of these towels, Silvon has already blown past its $20,000 Kickstarter goal.

Want more scoop on home linens? Follow us on Pinterest!

(Photos via Silvon)

Laundry Kickstarter

"Bridget Jones 4" Is Officially On Its Way

If you're a rom-com fan who also can't get enough of Jane Austen's books, you've probably seen the Bridget Jones movies. The story (which is loosely based on Pride & Prejudice) follows the titular Bridget Jones, a 30-something who sets out on a mission to improve herself over the course of a year while she looks for a partner. And, in true romantic movie form, she keeps a diary the whole time. Not only can we rewatch the original trilogy as many times as we want, but we're also getting a fourth movie! Here's everything we know about Bridget Jones 4.